A study found a strong association between birth defects and increased pesticide levels in surface water across the US, particularly for women conceiving in April to July. Elevated pesticide concentrations coincided with peak birth defect rates, suggesting a potential link between pesticide exposure and birth defects.
Researchers at Uppsala University mapped the genome of a bacterium that manipulates insect sex ratios, revealing high frequencies of gene exchange within this group. The study's findings may lead to development of eco-friendly pesticides using these bacteria.
Researchers developed new 'paldoxins' that block fungal enzymes, boosting plants' natural defenses and overcoming fungal attacks. These environmentally friendly fungicides could protect crops like corn, wheat, and soybeans from disease-causing fungi.
A new study by UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers has pinpointed damage inside the brains of Gulf War syndrome patients, linking their illness to chemical exposures. The research identifies areas of the brain that function abnormally, including the basal ganglia, hippocampus, and thalamus.
The study found that 'RADrazz' rose had the best overall performance, while Trumpeter was the worst. Fifteen varieties of roses are recommended for low-maintenance growing in Texas, with Polyanthas and Hybrid Tea roses performing differently.
A recent study by the American Society of Agronomy found that low levels of herbicides can harm potato plant reproduction. The research revealed that tuber yield and quality can be affected even at rates below those causing vegetative growth reduction or injury.
The worm Caenhorabditis elegans becomes resistant to pesticide Levamisole in 20 generations, adapting its population in just 80 days. This resistance allows the worms to survive and reproduce despite the pesticide's effects on mobility and fertility.
A new study found that a bacterial pathogen disables the tomato plant's intruder alarm system by deactivating cell surface receptors, allowing the bacteria to spread rapidly without resistance. Understanding this mechanism could lead to new ways of tackling plant diseases without pesticides.
Researchers have developed nematode-resistant varieties of bell peppers, such as Charleston Belle and Carolina Wonder, which can be used as viable alternatives to methyl bromide for managing southern root-knot nematode. These varieties are stable in sub-tropical climates and can increase the availability of parasite-resistant vegetables.
A University of Pittsburgh study found that mixing ten common pesticides within EPA safe limits can cause 99% mortality in leopard frog tadpoles. Endosulfan, a banned neurotoxin, is particularly deadly, causing 84% mortality when used alone.
A new USGS study published in the Journal of Environmental Quality shows that pesticide contamination in groundwater has decreased over the past decade. Only six compounds were detected in ground water from at least 10 wells during the study period, with concentrations less than 0.12 parts per billion.
Injury-related deaths account for over 10% of all Chinese deaths, mainly due to traffic accidents, drowning, and pesticide poisoning. The authors suggest implementing low-cost prevention measures such as stricter driving laws, pesticide restrictions, and swimming education to reduce injury mortality rates.
A new UK study suggests that biological products, also known as biopesticides, have the potential to play a significant role in a more sustainable food chain. Biopesticides can help reduce the use of chemical pesticides, which pose risks to workers' health and contaminate groundwater.
Researchers at the Salk Institute discovered that only a few mutations in an enzyme can shift the output of plant compounds, allowing them to adapt to changing environments. This finding has implications for developing environmentally friendly fungicides and pesticides, as well as new flavors and fragrances.
A new biopesticide has been developed for use on organic crops, offering a natural alternative to synthetic pesticides. The product is safe for humans, animals, and the environment, and will be available this October for conventional growers.
Researchers found unprecedented levels of fluvalinate and coumaphos in beeswax, while pollen and bees showed lower levels of other pesticides. A new method using gamma radiation reduced acaricide load in beeswax by 50%. The study highlights the need for monitoring pesticide interactions and potential links to Colony Collapse Disorder.
A new study published in Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture found no evidence to support the view that organically grown crops contain more major and trace elements. The study compared retention of minerals and trace elements in animals fed a diet consisting of conventionally grown crops, organic crops, and a combination of...
Scientists at the University of Warwick have found four types of fungi effective against varroa mites, which feed on honey bee circulatory fluid and transmit diseases. The researchers are exploring ways to deliver these killer fungi through various methods, including foot baths and powder sprays.
Researchers are using biofumigation with mustard and other Brassica species to manage soil-borne pests and weeds. This technique can provide economic and social benefits by reducing reliance on synthetic pesticides and promoting environmental health.
A new definition for intermediate syndrome (IMS) resulting from organophosphate poisoning has been proposed based on a study of 78 patients. The researchers found that specific changes in nerve transmission occurred before the development of IMS, suggesting that these changes may be an indicator of future poor outcome.
USGS scientists investigated pesticide occurrence in ground water at four US sites. Herbicides triazines and chloroacetanilides were most frequently detected, with degradation products often exceeding parent compounds. Redox conditions, residence times, oxygen levels, and nitrogen gas influenced pesticide concentrations.
Using native grasses in golf course roughs can improve biodiversity and reduce costs on pesticides and labor. The research found that blue grama and Cody buffalo grass were the most effective options for coverage, with rates of 20 pounds per acre recommended for best results.
Researchers found that licensed pesticide applicators who used chlorinated pesticides for over 100 days were at greater risk of developing diabetes. The study associated specific pesticides with a 20-200% increase in risk, with trichlorfon showing the strongest relationship.
A common fruit fly has helped scientists discover a protein crucial for the insect's eggshell formation, which could be a potential target for pesticides. The protein, called palisade, is essential for the formation of the vitelline membrane, a key component of the eggshell.
A 20-year study by NOAA reveals a positive trend in reducing contaminant levels in U.S. coastal waters, despite ongoing concerns about metals and industrial chemicals. The report highlights decreasing trends for pesticides like DDT and industrial chemicals PCBs, but notes continued issues with oil-related compounds and flame retardants.
OSU researchers received grants for projects with potential for commercially successful products, including noise-reducing aircraft composites and biosensors detecting objects like DNA and pesticides. The funding aims to accelerate technology development through collaboration between businesses, universities, and non-profit organizations.
Research reveals female vets exposed to x-rays, anaesthetic gases, and pesticides are twice as likely to miscarry during pregnancy. The study emphasizes the need for veterinarians to prioritize preventive measures and use protective devices at work.
A recent study found that female veterinarians are twice as likely to miscarry due to exposure to anaesthetic gases and pesticides. Researchers call for clearer advice on reproductive risks for young female vets planning to become pregnant.
A family-based study found a significant association between pesticide use, particularly herbicides and insecticides, and an increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease. The research team recruited 319 patients and over 200 relatives to analyze the relationship between pesticide exposure and Parkinson's disease development.
A study by UCSD researchers reveals a link between chemical exposure and chronic, multi-symptom health problems in Persian Gulf War veterans. The study found that symptoms such as fatigue, muscle pain, and memory problems were more prevalent among veterans exposed to certain chemicals.
NOAA scientist Nat Scholz reveals that pesticide mixtures have a greater toxic effect on the salmon nervous system than expected. The findings have important implications for threatened and endangered salmon populations and may also affect human health through contaminated food supply.
A randomized controlled trial found that multiple-dose activated charcoal has no effect on mortality in patients who have poisoned themselves with toxic pesticides or plants. The study involved over 4600 patients and showed no differences in mortality rates between those who received activated charcoal and those who did not.
Scientists at the University of Cambridge highlight a strong correlation between persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and insulin resistance, leading to adult-onset diabetes. Research suggests that individuals with high POPs levels in their blood are more at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, even if they are thin.
Research on farm women reveals an increased risk of allergic asthma associated with pesticide use. The study found a significant increase in asthma prevalence among women who applied or mixed pesticides, with some compounds like parathion linked to nearly tripled risk.
A study by Jean Pierre Kapongo found that Muscidifurax raptor is an effective biocontrol agent for controlling fruit flies in vineyards. This method reduces the need for chemical pesticides, benefiting the environment and promoting agricultural sustainability.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge discovered that inactivating a specific gene in Erwinia carotovora bacteria severely impedes its ability to cause blackleg and soft rot in potatoes. This finding has significant implications for developing new anti-rot agents and pesticides.
A new study found associations between occupation and increased risk of dying from systemic autoimmune diseases, particularly in farming and industrial jobs. Exposure to specific substances like asbestos and pesticides was also linked to higher mortality rates.
The study proposes new methods to detect pesticide residue (carbamates) and antibiotic residue (sulfonamides) in water, plant foods and animal-derived foods. The developed methods are innovative, sensitive, and environmentally friendly alternatives to existing detection techniques.
Researchers at Virginia Tech study a Japanese beetle that may curb the spread of HWA without damaging forest ecosystems. The beetle has shown encouraging results in previous releases, and scientists hope it will be an effective natural enemy against the invasive insect.
University of Illinois researchers warn that higher corn prices are causing some farmers to ignore integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, which could undermine the effectiveness of technologies that sustain them. IPM is a set of principles developed to minimize ecological impacts of pesticides and transgenic crops.
A successful bioeradication program in Lake Victoria reduced fish populations, improved hydroelectric power generation, and decreased malaria and schistosomiasis cases. The program used natural enemies of the invasive water hyacinth to control its spread, eliminating the need for pesticides.
A recent study found that pesticides block a key receptor in soil bacteria, disrupting natural nitrogen-fixing communications. This results in lower crop yields or significantly delayed growth. The research highlights the importance of preserving natural symbiotic relationships between crops and soil bacteria.
A study found that exposure to pesticides increases the risk of Parkinson's disease, as does traumatic head injury, with higher levels of exposure associated with greater risk. The two factors are potentially modifiable, suggesting opportunities for prevention and reduction.
Scientists at Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona developed a new electro-chemical biosensor that detects pesticides and antibiotics in food with high sensitivity and portability. The sensor can detect levels of atrazine and sulphanilamides below maximum allowed concentrations, making it easier to control food safety.
Research by Dr. Paul Winchester found that children conceived in June-August had lower math and language ISTEP scores, potentially linked to prenatal exposure to pesticides and nitrates. The study suggests that environmental factors during pregnancy may have long-term effects on cognitive development.
Research suggests a seasonal correlation between pesticides, nitrates, and premature births, with highest rates in May-June and lowest in August-September. The study analyzed over 27 million US live births and found a significant link between environmental contaminants and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Research highlights the role of pesticides, toxic agents, and inflammation in Parkinson's development, while also exploring potential neuroprotective agents like nicotine. The findings aim to better understand the disease process and develop preventive measures.
The Biodesign Institute is working on a $2.67 million NIH grant to develop antidotes for nerve agent poisoning. The project aims to create 'next-generation' bioscavengers using human enzymes and plant-based production methods.
A Mayo Clinic researcher has identified a target site in malaria-carrying mosquitoes that could be used to develop pesticides toxic to the Anopheles gambiae mosquito and other species. This finding could lead to a safer and more effective method to control mosquito-borne diseases like malaria.
A Mayo Clinic researcher has identified a target site in malaria-carrying mosquitoes that could be used to develop toxic pesticides. The residues are found in three mosquito species and the German cockroach, but not in mammals.
A new pesticide development with integrated sunscreen shields chemicals from UV light, increasing their effectiveness and reducing degradation. The technology has the potential to lower costs for farmers and minimize environmental impact.
Researchers develop an alternative to animal testing by tricking ticks into setting up home on faux-cow hides. This method measures leg tremblings of ticks to observe early signs of pesticide toxicity.
A Mayo Clinic researcher has identified a unique enzyme residue in greenbugs and aphids that could be targeted by a new generation of pesticides. This discovery opens the door to creating safer pesticides that would not harm humans and animals.
Researchers found accelerated brain changes in people with Parkinson's, while mice exposed to pesticides showed increased oxidative stress and reduced dopamine uptake. Exposure to banned pesticides like dieldrin may increase the risk of developing Parkinson's earlier in life.
A new method, metabolic stress disinfection (MSDD), sucks the life out of bugs by subjecting them to alternating vacuum and carbon dioxide, effectively suffocating organisms. The technique could replace post-harvest pesticides and may complete phasing out ozone-depleting methyl bromide, reducing chemical costs and environmental impact.
A large cohort study found that chronic pesticide exposure is associated with an increased risk of Parkinson's disease, regardless of occupation or home use. The study suggested that exposure to specific pesticides may be the underlying cause of this increased risk.
A study of 143,325 participants found a strong association between pesticide exposure and Parkinson's disease, with a 70% higher incidence among those exposed. The association was strongest among individuals who used pesticides at home or in gardening, regardless of occupation or sex.
A new study by Mayo Clinic researchers found that pesticide use increases the risk of Parkinson's disease in men, with a higher likelihood of exposure compared to women. The study matched individuals with Parkinson's disease to those without, assessing exposure via farming occupation or hobbies.
A study by University of Arizona researchers found that biotech cotton produces similar yields to traditional cotton with fewer pesticides used. The study, which examined 81 commercial cotton fields in Arizona, revealed that growers using Bt cotton needed fewer applications of broad-spectrum insecticides.
Researchers argue that environmental pollution disproportionately affects minority groups, particularly African-American children in low-income families. The authors propose the creation and strict enforcement of effective public policies to address lead exposure and pesticide prevention.